Travel vlogger denied access to Nehanda statue

The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has apologised to international travel vlogger Davud Akhundzada after his viral video revealed that he had been denied access to the Nehanda statue in Harare's city centre.

The bronze monument, which honours the Shona spirit medium and heroine of the 1896–1897 First Chimurenga war against British colonisers, is located at the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way.

Akhundzada's video, which has been widely shared online, shows him being prevented from approaching the monument - a move that sparked criticism from viewers who said the incident reflected poorly on Zimbabwe's tourism management.

In response, the Tourism Ministry issued a statement expressing regret over the situation while explaining that the statue falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.

"The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has noted with concern a circulating video involving travel vlogger Davud Akhundzada, who was reportedly restricted from accessing the Mbuya Nehanda Statue site in Harare," the ministry said.

"We wish to clarify that the Mbuya Nehanda Statue is a National Heritage Monument managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. It stands as a proud symbol of Zimbabwe's liberation history and identity."

The ministry said access to the site is limited by preservation and security protocols.

"The site is subject to specific preservation and security protocols and, as such, public access to certain areas, including elevated or restricted zones, may be limited for safety, preservation, and security reasons," it explained.

Tourism Minister Barbra Rwodzi said her ministry is taking steps to prevent similar incidents by improving coordination between government departments responsible for managing cultural heritage sites.

"Through a Whole-of-Government Approach Strategy, in coordination with our counterparts at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, we are in the process of deploying tourism officers at key heritage and cultural monuments," the statement added.

The officers, according to the ministry, will help facilitate smooth, well-informed, and welcoming experiences for visitors while safeguarding Zimbabwe's national heritage.

The ministry apologised to Akhundzada for the inconvenience and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all tourists enjoy safe, accessible, and memorable visits to the country's historical and cultural landmarks.

The Nehanda statue, unveiled by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021, remains one of the most iconic monuments in Harare, symbolising the country's liberation history and national identity.